Living with a host family in Australia is a unique and rewarding experience — you get the chance to fully immerse yourself in a new culture while building close relationships in a home away from home. But as exciting as it can be, sharing a living space with another family also comes with its own set of challenges and adjustments. Whether you’re just starting your au pair journey or looking to strengthen your bond with your host family, here are some easy but impactful tips for living with a host family to help you create a positive, respectful, and enjoyable living arrangement for everyone involved.
1. Interact With Your Host Family’s Children
The sky’s the limit when you need ways to have fun with your host family’s kids. Of course, rule number one is to keep the kids safe. And rule number two is to have fun! You can make bubbles, paint, go for a walk, tell stories and jokes, read books, do crafts or puzzles, play at a playground — you name it! These kids can sometimes have intense schedules so our advice is to let your time with them be fun, not another pressure-filled activity.
2. Stay Off Your Phone When On-Duty (And During Family Meals)
Absolutely do not be on your phone while you are with the kids. Not only is it disrespectful and not fun for the kids, but it also means you aren’t doing your job. Of course, during your free time you can be on your phone. That is a perfect time to text and call friends and family and post about your adventure! However, when you’re on duty or during family meals, it’s a good idea to set your phone to “Do Not Disturb” and allow notifications from your host parents only.
3. Tidy Up After Yourself
This is probably common sense for most house guests, but in order to err on the side of being too clear: if you make a mess, clean up after yourself. (We had one host family confide in us that their Outbacker kept leaving her wet towel on the floor after taking a shower — don’t do that!)
If you see a mess, either help the child clean up after themselves or take the initiative to clean up. Remember, don’t see this as “I’m being the family maid;” see it as “I am being helpful and considerate.” In general, leave things better than you found them and your relationship with your host family will be so much smoother!
4. Stay Patient
It can be hard not to lose your temper when you’re working with children but don’t get angry. Kids will be kids and they will probably do something annoying or unfriendly at some point. Whenever this happens, remember to be the bigger person and work through problems with the long-term in mind.
If a child is exuding troublesome behavior, you can always take a break from the situation. Change your location or the child’s and then regroup. If it happens more than once, talk about it with your host parent(s). You might say something like:
“[Child] is very good at [note a positive]. However, I noticed that [Child] acted in this way in this situation [describe]…How can I help him/her act more [calmly/appropriately/etc.] in those situations? What works for you?”
This can be a constructive way to discuss how to handle difficult behaviors without your host parent getting defensive. The two (or three) of you can come up with a plan together of how to handle the behavior.
Please do keep in touch with your Australian Adventures program director about these situations. If a child physically hits you or hurts you, tell Australian Adventures right away, as this is unacceptable and needs to be addressed as quickly as possible.
5. Care About Your Host Family’s Kids
Anyone, even (and especially) a young child can feel when you’re being sincere and when you’re faking it. Believe it or not, the majority of the time, they will know when you’re having fun with them and when you consider it a chore to be with them. So relax and have fun!
To care about someone, you need to know them. So ask your kiddo questions about themselves and open up and tell them about yourself too.
Consider your time with them as a learning and growing experience (for them and for you!) and it will be much more enjoyable for both of you
6. Express Gratitude
Remember to be grateful. Saying thank you goes a long way — both during the program and in life generally. Just those two words, “thank you,” when spoken sincerely, can make the difference between a positive experience and a negative one. Writing a thank you note every so often can also help your relationship with your host family.
Can you remember a time when you did something nice for someone and it didn’t even cross their mind to say a simple thanks? How about when someone went out of their way to tell you thank you? Which person would you want living in your home?
If you’re still on the fence about living in Australia, apply today to see if you’re accepted. We have flexible program dates and dozens of wonderful host families waiting for YOU!
